The Bangladesh Petrol Pump and Tank Lorry Owners Unity Council has issued a 12-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the fulfillment of a 10-point charter of demands, including setting the fuel sales commission at a minimum of 7%, and has announced that a strike will begin on May 25 if these demands are not met.
At a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity conference room on Sunday, the council’s Joint Convener Syed Sajjadul Karim Kabul presented the demands.
In a written statement, he said: “According to the latest gazette notification issued on September 26, 2023, the commission was fixed at 5% for petrol and octane, and 3% for diesel. Until now, operations were being conducted with dealership licences, explosives licences, and trade licences. Now, new requirements have been imposed to obtain environmental clearance, fire safety, factory inspection, BSTI, and BRC licences. We have long been protesting these issues.”
Announcing the program, Sajjadul said: "If our demands are not met by May 24, we will hold a symbolic program on May 25. A strike will be observed from 6am to 2pm at all petrol pumps and tanker operations across the country. During the strike, the extraction, transportation, and marketing of fuel oil will be suspended.
"However, the transportation of aircraft fuel will continue to keep Hajj and international flights operational."
Sajjadul continued: "All expenses, including those for licenses, electricity, and staff salaries have increased, while the commission has decreased. In districts without depots and no inter-district permits, lorry tanker drivers face harassment. The government’s decision to stop checking documents on the road and to instead ensure checks at the depot is not being implemented.
"Additionally, BSTI is now charging extra fees for various equipment, and the lease rate of the Roads and Highways Department has suddenly increased by 150 times. All in all, it has become impossible to run a business under these unreasonable costs and the current commission rate."
"Therefore, we demand the speedy implementation of our reasonable demands. Otherwise, we will launch a movement," he added.
The key points of the 10-point demand include:
- Setting the fuel sales commission at a minimum of 7%
- Reinstating the previous lease fees for land under the Roads and Highways Department
- Restricting BSTI to only stamping and calibration of dispensing units
- Scrapping fees and registration for underground tank calibration and dip rod testing
- Removing the requirement to obtain environmental, BRC, factory, and fire licences, as petrol pumps are not industries but commission-based businesses
- Stopping direct fuel sales from marketing companies without dealership
- Easing the process of issuing and renewing licences for tank lorry drivers to address the driver shortage
- Prohibiting random roadside inspections of tank lorries under the guise of checking documents
- Implementing the government’s decision to inspect documents at depot gates
- Issuing inter-district route permits for all tank lorries